Kaoi: [Gasping]...
Clutching his chest over where his heart would be. Kaoi tries to calm down as he recollects what had transpired.
Ram: Bakaoi?...
Looking back, he sees Ram looks at him with concern even if she doesn't show through her expression.
Kaoi: Nothing Ram. Look how about you go on to the Mansion without me. I'll be there later.
Ram: What are-
Before Ram could respond the Demon Slayer had already made his way. Not really walking towards any destination in mind. Staggering at times, Kaoi would have to lean on a wall to rest a bit.
Kaoi: The mental fatigue must be catching up with me. Twice again I have died. Despite my body returning to its healthy state, the trauma of death still haunts my mind.
Kaoi however, brushed those thoughts aside and continued on his aimless walk through the city.
Memories of his encounters with the Archbishop of Sloth and the White Whale played in a loop within his head. He barely pays any attention to those he passes by. That is until he bumps into a large person.
Al: Watch where you're- Oh hey it's you, Bro!
Looking up Kaoi sees a familiar face or rather a familiar helmet.
Al: Hey Bro, you doing alright? You don't look so good.
Kaoi: Oh hello Al. Sorry about bumping into you. I just have a lot on my mind.
Al: Yeah, all of this Royal Selection Stuff can be a lot to take in.
Kaoi: The Royal Selection…
Al: You sure you're okay, Bro?
Kaoi: Yeah, I just need to clear my mind.
Kaoi then walks past the one-armed helmeted man. Who could only look back at the demon slayer.
Al: Before you go do you mind answering one last question?
Kaoi: Sure.
Al: What was the era in Japan when you left?
Kaoi: The era of the Taisho.
Kaoi: Wait! Not once in this trip did I mention that I was from Japan. So how did he…?
Slowly turning back, Kaoi looks at Al with complete shock as he awaits for his response.
Al: It was the era of the Heisei when I left Japan in 2012.
Kaoi: So you're…
Al: Yep, I'm like you.
Kaoi: How long have you been here?
Al: About 18 years. You?
Kaoi: I've only been here for 2 months!
Al: How about that.
Kaoi: How can this be? How can a person from a 100 years in the future arrive here 18 years before I did?
Al: I wouldn't know. I haven't been exactly pursuing why I was transported here. Just trying to survive each day. However I wouldn't say I am from a hundred years in your future.
Kaoi: Huh?
Al: You said it yourself, how can a person from 2012 arrive in a world 18 years before another person from the 1910's? It wouldn't make sense unless we were from different Japans.
Kaoi: Really?
Al: It would explain the lack of Demons and a Demon Slayer Corps in my world.
Kaoi: Well actually we I'm from, only a small population of Japan knows about demons and the Demon Slayer Corps is unrecognized by the government.
Al: Nevertheless, this theory makes a lot more sense.
Kaoi: Well then why didn't you tell me when we first met or when we were in the carriage. Did Priscilla not know?
Al: Oh the Princess knows. It's just at first impressions I thought you were a kararagian although I had my doubts when you weren't speaking in the kansai dialect.
Kaoi: Kararagian? Kansai dialect?
Al: A Kararagian is a person of Kararagi, the country west of Lugnica. It's culture is pretty similar to Japan's and everyone there speaks in a Kansai dialect. Surely you noticed how that Hoshin Chick spoke differently.
Kaoi: Well I did think she had a weird way of speaking. I have never been to the Kansai region so I never heard of it before.
Al: It was only after you made that introduction and seeing the Kanji on the back of your uniform that I realized we were from a similar place.
Kaoi: Geez…
Al: Hey I know what I'm saying is a lot to take in especially with whatever your deal is, but I thought I let you know that you're not alone in this world. The Princess may have me on a tight leash but on days like this.
Al places a hand on Kaoi's shoulders.
Al: Don't be afraid to talk to me.
Al: I could definitely help you with certain words that would be way after your time.
Kaoi weakly smiles.
Kaoi: Thanks Al. I'll keep that in mind.
The two swordsmen then part on friendly terms. Kaoi calmly walks until he stops at a ledge looking over the city.
Kaoi: Rengoku-sama would certainly love the view from here.
Ram: I guess even someone as brash as you can appreciate a serene scene, Bakaoi.
Quickly turning his head, Kaoi sees the Pink Maid walking right up to him.
Kaoi: Ram! I thought I told you I'd be at the mansion later.
Ram: You did, but I thought it would be best for me to follow you so that you didn't get in any sort of trouble in the state you were in.
Kaoi: So you heard my conversation with Al?
Ram: What kind of woman do you take me for. Eavesdropping would be unbecoming of me as a maid of Lord Roswaal.
Kaoi: That's great I guess…. Hey Ram.
Ram: Yes Bakaoi?
Kaoi: Do you ever imagine what your life would be like if the witch cult never attacked your village? If you never met Roswaal?
Ram:... Well I never had such thoughts before. I would guess that Rem and I would be living in the Oni village until we were of age.
Kaoi: Really?
Ram: Yes, the villagers were always a source of Rem's unhappiness and I would have done anything I could to make sure she didn't live in such an environment for much longer. We would probably have looked for manual labor in the city seeing as we didn't receive the education provided by Lord Roswaal.
Kaoi: I can relate. If I didn't become a demon slayer, I may have never even gone to the mainland. Just continued to be a fisherman alongside my father and looking after Rozu.
Ram: Bakaoi, just what is this exactly about?
Kaoi slumps his shoulders over and drops his fake smile.
Kaoi: …Ram, just what am I doing here?
Ram: I'm afraid I don't understand.
Kaoi: Despite my goal of protecting people from harm. Whether it be from mabeasts or demons. Emi's words still ring in my ear and I ask myself what's next.
Kaoi: Even if I defeat the Witch Cult attack on the village. What is next for me and Emi?
Kaoi: With how strained my relationship with Emilia is, if we do reconcile then what? Do I just continue to be a butler at the mansion? Just to never get involved in the Royal Selection again?
Ram: I'm sure Lady Emilia can-
Kaoi: You weren't there, Ram! She is fragile and couldn't stand up for herself when the council and nobles were wrongfully hurling insults at her. Instead she decided to stand there and not respond like a doll.
Ram: Then perhaps you could become her knight and help her-
Kaoi: If it were that simple! I am still a demon slayer, Rozu is still back home on the island and demons are still a threat. I can't just abandon my duties. Ragh!
Kaoi: If that weren't enough I'm faced with a seemingly impossible situation! If we steer clear of the White Whale, we are too late for the attack! If we try to go through a quicker route my scent attracts the beast!
While Kaoi was rambling. He didn't notice the Pink Maid walk up to him and
[Bam!]
punches him in the face.
Kaoi: What the hell!
Ram: I've grown weary of hearing the ramblings of a pathetic man. Right now you are not the Bakaoi that I've grown to respect at the mansion. The Bakaoi that spared Rem despite her trying to kill him. The Bakaoi that learned to control his gate on the spot when he was surrounded by Wolgarm. The Bakaoi that taught me how to harness Total Concentration Breathing. The Bakaoi that I would gladly have tea with!
Kaoi slowly gets up.
Ram: Things for you may have been simple in the corps, but whether you like it or not, you are now a part of something larger than yourself. You don't even know if there is a way back to your home! Right now you are stuck in this world like the rest of us! You can either cling on to your past life or will you set your heart ablaze?! Which will it be Bakaoi?!
Ram goes in for another punch.
[Bamph!]
Only for Kaoi to block the punch with his hand.
Kaoi: Thanks Ram. I needed to hear that. I see that I have a responsibility to all.
Kaoi moves her hand away to reveal his smirk.
Kaoi: A responsibility that I will see through to the end. So Ram, I will set my heart ablaze!
To which Ram smirks in return.
Ram: Glad I could help.
Kaoi looks up in the sky.
Kaoi: Rengoku-sama, Rozu. I'm sorry but it seems like I picked up a new duty in this world. I just hope you can forgive me for the late return.
Ram: Now what is this nonsense I hear about steering clear of the White Whale.
Kaoi: hah….
After explaining to Ram the current dilemma they face without mentioning anything about Return by Death. The two now begin to formulate a plan.
Timeskip
Crusch: Are you serious?
Jerking back, Crusch is seen sitting on a chair with Felix and Wilhelm on her sides. While Kaoi sits on a chair across from her with Ram at his side.
Kaoi: You heard me correctly. I'm proposing an alliance between the Emilia and Crusch camps on equal terms, and the information I'll offer for that purpose is this, the location of the White Whale!
Wilhelm: The White Whale?
A certain energy exudes from the old butler. One Kaoi is quite familiar with as he senses it from many demon slayers. The thirst for revenge.
Wilhelm: [Sighs] … Please forgive my indiscretion. I suppose I still have much to learn.
Crusch: I must say, it seems a bit out of you would to suddenly bring up the White Whale like this.
Kaoi: I wouldn't say that. When we began this negotiation, I mentioned the magic stones found in Roswaal's domain, in Elior Forest. If sharing the Mining rights is insufficient, I need to offer something additional. I'm certain that my information will aid in your plan to bring the White Whale down.
Crusch: There's something I'd like to ask you about concerning this matter. What made you feel this would be enticing to me? Since we've never discussed it, this seems oddly focused to present.
Kaoi: For the past few days, I noticed a few things. First, the traffic to and from your mansion. It's been just a bit excessive. Also Ram heard in the streets in the capital that you've been purchasing weapons and armor. Not to mention what Russel Fellow said when we arrived.
Russel: If Miss Crusch's goal is to be attained, Mr. Wilhelm, I'm confident it would suit your desires. I've come to expect nothing but the best from her.
Kaoi: It seems like you are planning something big. Of course, I can't exactly prove that, can I? Who is to say? Maybe I only made the connection because I happen to know the White Whale will be making an appearance.
Crusch: I have another question, Kaoi. On what grounds do you know where the While Whale will appear?
Kaoi simply smirks and snaps with his fingers.
[snap!]
Suddenly in a burst of wind through the window. Teruo lands on the table.
Teruo: Caw! Caw! I have located the White Whale!
Crusch: What?
Kaoi: You see Teruo here is a kasugai crow, crows trained in my world to guid demon slayers to their next mission. I sent him to confirm the location of the White Whale.
Crusch: I find it hard to believe. but I see that you are not lying.
Kaoi: Does that mean you'll agree to an alliance? In exchange for my information on the White Whale?
Crusch: Do not get ahead of yourself, Kaoi. My decision will determine the outcome of the Royal Selection, if not the Kingdom's very future. It cannot be made lightly.
?: Mind if I listen in on this little chat too?
Opening the door, reveals Russel Fellow and the lavender merchant, Anastasia Hoshin.
Russel: Pardon us.
Crusch: Anastasia Hoshin and Russell fellow?
Anastasia: [giggles] Now this isn't fair at all, if you ask me. You asked us to come, and then here you are starting things without us. Let us in on this, too.
Crusch: I wasn't aware of this incitation. Was it Kaoi who asked you to come here?
Anastasia: Well, to be exact, it was this pink-haired girl he keeps with him. I only heard the gist of what you were talking about, but if you're really planning on putting down the White Whale, I'm all about it. For us business folk, whether that thing is around or not is pretty much a life-or-death matter,
She then leans over Kaoi.
Anastasia: So our mercenary team will help with whatever you need.
Russel: In addition to all matters that are concerning the White Whale, I'm interested in the concession regarding the proposition of mining rights to the magic stones. If the aforementioned alliance is formed, magic stones mined from veins previously untouched will be distributed to the capital through Miss Crusch. As the merchant guild's representative I cannot let the offer go unheard.
Crusch: Kaoi called you as well?
Kaoi: I'll say it once more. What I offer in return for this alliance is a share in the magic stone mining rights and information on where the White Whale will appear. You'd have everything you need to locate and attack the terrorizing mabeast and then bring it down to earth!
Everyone stares in silence. Kaoi stands up and holds out his hand
Kaoi: Well Crusch, what do you say?
Crusch: [Sighs] I still have several questions concerning this arrangement, but it was brilliant of you to uncover my plans. I have questions, as well as doubts. Some things you said are unclear to me, so I have difficulty agreeing immediately.
The green-haired candidate then slowly forms a smile.
Crusch: However, I will choose to trust your eyes and the spirit that led you to create this situation.
Crush then grabs Kaoi's hand and an alliance is formed.
Kaoi: [sighs]
Russel: There were a few touch-and-go moments but I'm glad it worked out, Mr. Kaoi.
Kaoi: Me too, Russel.
Crusch: Were waiting outside the door for your moment to enter?
Anastasia: Yes, but it was entirely up to us when we interrupted. Well, far as negotiations go, I guess that barely gets a passing mark.
Kaoi: For a moment I thought you would stay outside just to mess with me.
Anastasia: When negotiating there's always a perfect time to make your move. Right. Well, as you're getting ready for the subjugation and such, don't forget to patronize the Hoshin Company.
Anastasia and Russel leave the room. Kaoi then looked back at Ram as they gave each other a smile.
Kaoi: I can't thank you enough, Ram. I was really you who figured out Crusch's plans. I would have been at a loss without you. Somehow, I will find a way to repay you.
Wilhelm: Mr. Kaoi.
Kaoi: Eh?
Looking to his side, Kaoi sees Wilhelm as he bows to him.
Wilhelm: I must thank you.
Kaoi: Huh?
Wilhelm: You have my deepest respect and most humble gratitude equal to that which I offer to my Lady Duchess Crusch Karsten.
Kaoi: This must be about the person he lost.
Wilhelm: As perceptive as you are, if I may reintroduce myself. My family name is really Astrea.
Kaoi: As in Reinhard van Astrea?
Wilhelm: I took the previous Master Swordsman, Theresia van Astrea as my wife, which in turn gave me the honor of the lowest seat in the bloodline. That is who I, Wilhelm van Astrea, proudly am. Thank you for so very kindly granting this old man the opportunity to slay the loathsome mabeast that took my wife.
Kaoi: Well then, I'm glad that you may be able to gain closure.
Crusch: Now then, the location of the White Whale?
Kaoi: Teruo.
Teruo: Crusch Karsten, The White Whale is last heading towards a giant tree! Caw! Caw!
Felix: Giant tree? Does he mean?
Kaoi: That's correct. Flugel's Tree.
Outside Crusch's Mansion
A large number of knights and mercenaries gather in the front yard for the upcoming subjugation of the White Whale. Kaoi leans on the tree as he looks over everybody.
Felix: You're still awake, huh?
Kaoi: It's just that in all my years of demon slaying. I never once imagined that I would be a part of something this big. Sure I have joined squads for some missions, but an army.
Felix: I kinda get what you mean. I had similar feelings when I first joined the knights nya.
Kaoi: I could only imagine something like this happening in Corps when we finally find Muzan.
Felix: Muzan?
Kaoi: The king of demons in my world. Despite being away from the corps for so long. Seeing everybody here. How not a single one came here unwillingly. It makes me feel like I'm back at the corps.
Felix: It would seem like knights and demon slayer are nyot that different after all.
Looking at Wilhelm as he prepares his sword. Kaoi couldn't help but agree.
The Next Morning
Kaoi and Ram walk alongside Felix as they examine a line of ground dragons.
Kaoi: So I'm supposed to pick whichever one I want?
Felix: What are you complaining about nyow? Don't you like 'em?
Kaoi: It's not that. I'm glad you're letting me borrow one, but I don't have much knowledge about them. So I have no idea what I'm looking for.
Kaoi would have kept walking until he was stopped by the head of one of the ground dragons.
[sniffs]
[sniffs]
[sniffs]
Kaoi: Huh?
Her skin was black, she had a long neck with a beak-like mouth and has orange eyes. She kept sniffing Kaoi until she was satisfied.
Kaoi: Aren't you the ground dragon from before?
Recalling that this ground dragon was one of the ones that was at the Roswaal mansion when Felix and Wilhelm visited. Kaoi reaches out his hand and the ground dragon then nuzzles it.
Kaoi: I guess this one chose me.
Ram: Not surprising this type of ground dragon is known for being difficult like a certain junior butler of mine.
Felix: This is fine by me.
Later That Day
The Demon Slayer and Maid enter a grand hall fill with knights and warriors.
Kaoi then felt a presence from behind. A tall humanoid wolfman approaches him with the intention of grabbing his head. Kaoi dodges and turns around to be shocked at his appearance. He grabs his sword on instinct.
Wolfman: Whoa there buddy. I was just coming to say hi.
Kaoi: Sorry about that, you just reminded me of someone I once fought.
Wolfman: Was he tough?
Kaoi: He nearly killed me.
Wolfman: I like you. Your instincts are sure sharp, no wonder you beat Julius.
Kaoi: Julius? Then am I right to assume that you're with Anastasia?
Wolfman: Sure am. I'm Ricardo, head of her mercenary team.
Ricardo then looks at Ram.
Ricardo: It is nice to meet you too, little lady.
Ram then bows. The mercenary then notices Anastasia.
Ricardo: Hey, My Lady!
The Wolfman then makes his way to the candidate.
Crusch: So that is the pride of Anastasia and the Hoshins, the Iron Fang. Impressive. They all do look rather formidable. So did you sleep well last night?
Kaoi: As best as I could. So I guess you are participating.
Crush: Well, of course I am. Do you really think I could just sit down and not participate in this? To be honest, I'm more surprised that you are participating. I look forward to seeing what you are capable of… Demon Slayer.
Kaoi: Likewise.
[Doors Open]
As the doors open, a group of soldiers of them seem to be in their fifties or older.
Crusch: They've arrived.
All of the soldiers step in front of Crusch and do a respectful gesture.
Soldier: Reporting as ordered under your command.
The leading Soldier then looks up at Kaoi.
Soldier: Is this the boy?
Crusch: Yes, the very same.
The Soldier then comes up to Kaoi and grabs his Soldiers.
Crusch: You have my gratitude. Because of you, our greatest wish may come true, and we couldn't be happier about it. I thank you.
Kaoi didn't need to be explained what the soldier ment. Each of them share the same eyes as Wilhelm. To Kaoi he wasn't standing in front of retired knights but fellow demon slayers. Kaoi slowly smiles back at the man.
Kaoi: You're welcome.
The soldiers then leave.
Felix: Lady Crusch, the time has come.
Crusch: Right.
All knights, mercenaries and warriors then take their positions to receive Crusch's speech.
Crusch: 400 years… since the White Whale, created by the jealous Witch made the world its hunting ground, trampling the weak and dominating the land as if it were its owner. 400 years have passed.
Flashbacks spread among the knights and along with it anger directed towards the White Whale.
Crusch: Countless lives have been lost to the beast during that time. Given the unscrupulous nature of its fog, the number of graves we cannot inscribe with names will only rise.
Kaoi: Nature of its fog. Could it be that anyone that is covered in the White Whale's fog will be forgotten. That would certainly explain what happened in the last loop.
Crusch: But the days of helplessness and sitting idle end today! Those of us gathered her will end it. We will strike down the White Whale and stop any further tragedy. We will give the despair that fell short of true sorrow a chance to shed long overdue tears! We move out! Our destination is Flugel's Tree on the Lifaus Highway!
Crusch then removes the sword from her sheath and raises it high in the air!
Crusch: Tonight, we shall slay the White Whale with our own hands!
[Cheering]
Timeskip
[Steeds galloping]
Our warriors are now traveling on the Lifaus Highway. Riding on their carriages and on their ground dragons. Kaoi is riding with Ram on the ground dragon that Crusch let them barrow.
Ram: Remember where you place your filthy hands, Bakaoi.
Kaoi: They are not that filthy!
Kaoi then looks to his side and notices two small orange cat demihumans riding on wolves?!
Mimi: Hey, ther I'm Mimi. Glad to know you!
Hetaro: I'm Hetaro. It's nice to make your acquaintance.
Kaoi: Nice to meet I'm guessing you two are siblings from your resemblance.
Hetaro: Yes. My big sister and I will do our–
Mimi: Mimi and Hetaro are the strongest! The captain's here, too, so we're the super strongest!
Hetaro: Honestly, my sister and the captain tend to be hasty, so I usually give the orders.
Kaoi: I see. Glad I'm not in your position.
Ricardo: Well you seem ready for action.
Kaoi then sees Ricardo move to his other side. Also riding a wolf mount.
Kaoi: As it should be expected of a demon slayer.
Ricardo: Hey, that's a nice ground dragon you got there.
Kaoi: Thanks, for some reason she seems to have an interest in me. Although I am curious about your mounts.
Ricardo: They're called rigers. I guess you don't have them in your world. They aren't as strong as thies ground dragons, but they're much more lively. If it comes to a brawl against the Whale, that's where they really shine, so watch closely.
Kaoi: I see, but then why are you having rigers pull your luggage?
Ricardo: We got to manage our own luggage. If you think the White Whale's our only enemy, you'll get the rug pulled out from under you.
Kaoi couldn't help but think back to the Witch Cult.
Ricardo: After all there's no guarantee we won't run into thieves on the road.
Kaoi: If anyone has the nerves to take on a fully armed group like this, they certainly aren't thieves.
Ricardo: You got a point there! [Laughs]
Night Time Under Flugel's Tree
Everyone is setting up camp as they mentally prepare for the upcoming grand battle. Meanwhile, Kaoi inspects the tree. He notices carving on the trunk but it is too dark to see.
Kaoi: That kinda looks like…
Kaoi: Torch!
Lighting up the area, Kaoi can clearly see the carvings and it shocks him to the core.
Ram: So Kaoi are you ready for what is to come?
Kaoi turns around and sees Ram walking towards him.
Kaoi: I am. You?
Ram: To protect my Master and my sister. I am prepared to do anything.
Kaoi: I wouldn't expect any less.
Kaoi then notices Wilhelm standing in a field of flowers.
Kaoi: Ram, how about you stay here for a bit.
The Pink maid then notices Wilhelm and agrees to Kaoi's request.
Kaoi: You must have really loved your wife.
Wilhelm turns around and faces Kaoi.
Wilhelm: Yes, I love her more than anything, more than anyone, no matter how much time passes without her. My wife was a woman who loved to make time to look at flowers. She never wished she had to carry a sword, but the sword she wielded loved her more than anyone. With no choice but to live for that weapon, my wife gave in to her destiny and accepted her fate. When I married her, I made a decision, she would abandon the title of Master Swordsman. I tried to take that life away, but the sword wouldn't allow her to do it.
Wilhelm bows to Kaoi.
Wilhelm: Mr. Kaoi, I thank you again. In the battle before us, I needn't look any further than my own sword for answers. And perhaps I will finally be able to visit my wife's grave. At last I can stand before her once again.
Kaoi: Hearing you talk about your wife kinda makes me wish I had someone.
Wilhelm: You seem quite close to that maid.
Kaoi: Ram? Sure we are on friendly terms but love?
In his years, Kaoi never really thought about romance before. The only people that would get him to think about the subject would be Mitsuri and Tengen's wives.
Mitsuri told him that her reason to join the squad was to find a suitable husband. While she has moved past that, he can feel compassion and kindness she has for others. Especially for Obani.
Whenever Tengen and Rengoku would have a chat in Tengen's home. Kaoi would converse with his wives. Suma has over the top feelings for Tengen's affection. Especially since her sister was supposed to marry Tengen as a part of an alliance between shinobi clans. She wanted to marry him so much that she crashed the marriage interview. Hinatsuru would recount her admiration for Tengen's skills and Makio admires his strength. Despite loving the same man, each had a different reason for why they fell in love with him.
Wilhelm: Tell me, Mr. Kaoi. Would you do everything in your power to protect her? To even give up your life so that she may live?
Kaoi then flashbacks to when he sacrificed himself to the White Whale to save Ram and Otto and cutting his own neck after Ram had been killed. He then places a hand over his heart.
Kaoi: Yes, I suppose I would.
Timeskip
All warriors take their position according to their factions.
Crusch: Only a short time remains before us.
Everyone is silent as it is only a few seconds before the battle starts.
Teruo: Caw! Caw! The White Whale is here! Caw! Caw!
Crusch: Soldiers, be ready!
Teruo: Caw! Caw! The White Whale is here! Caw! Caw!
Everyone looks around. Then they noticed a large shadow. They look up and they see the White Whale high in the sky. After getting rid of her initial shock l, Crusch prepares to start the battle.
Crusch: Soldiers-
Kaoi: Now Ram!
Ram: El Fura!
Ram then summons blades of wind that pieces the belly of the beast. Spilling its blood.
Everyone is at a shock as they witness the two speeding towards the White Whale. Kaoi takes out his sword and lights it up in fire. Signaling the start of a grand battle.
Crusch: [chuckles] Soldiers, follow those two fools into battle!
The entire charges forward.
The Subjugation of the White Whale begins.
You know. I was so glad I had Teruo come with Kaoi. I had no idea how I was going to have Kaoi explain to Crusch how he knew the location of the White Whale without him. Anyway what do you guys think of the Chapter? Feel free to voice your thoughts in the comments.
Otherwise have a nice day!